Issue 16.14
By now, if you are still using XP and are connected to the internet, you have probably received a number of on-screen messages that XP is no longer supported. For example, if you use Microsoft Security Essentials as part of your computer protection, you will have seen a pop-up that links you suggestions to upgrade or buy a new computer. While those suggestions may be valid, you may want to get a different opinion than the ones provided by the company that created this problem.
UPGRADE – For about 30% of those using Windows XP, it may well be possible to upgrade your existing computer to Windows 7 or 8. I can’t yet recommend Windows 8 unless you take the time to play with it and find out if you like it or can even figure out how to use it. For many the answer is “No, that is not what I want”. Windows 7 on the other hand is similar to XP in many ways and the learning curve is much smaller than it is for 8. You will need at least a high end Pentium or Athlon CPU (Central Processing Unit or main chip) but I recommend having at least a dual core processor. They also say you need 1 Gigabyte of RAM (Random Access Memory), but I recommend at least 2 and if possible with your machine, 4 Gigabytes. Buying Windows 7 (or 8) will likely cost you from $100-$150. If you add it to the cost of increasing the memory and paying someone to install it, you could easily spend $200-$300, but that may be the best bet for some.
REPLACE – Another option is to purchase a new or used Windows 7 or 8 computer. New computers range in price from $400 to $800, but most people are happiest with those in the $600-$700 range as they run very fast but don’t have all the bells and whistles. The less expensive ones usually run pretty slowly. Used Windows 7 computers are more affordable (around $300 for professionally refurbished and sometimes a little less if you buy from a private user).
CHANGE OPERATING SYSTEMS – A number of people are moving to a different OS because they are fed up with Microsoft. I can’t blame them, but there are a few things to consider. First, will all the programs you need be available to you if you change? Second, will your printer/scanner/camera or other peripherals work with the new OS? Third, do you know how to back up and restore your files, programs, pictures and other data so you can use them with the change? If you do your homework, there are a number of options. Linux has a number of free OS options (I like Linux Mint) that you can download and install free and you won’t have to upgrade your memory in most cases – though you might want to anyway since everything runs better with more memory. Chromebooks are available under $300 and are great if all you want to do is surf the internet and email. The drawback is that they don’t run most PC programs, opting for apps instead. Buying a Mac is always an option as well if you have the money. They run and are built well but cost two to three times as much as a new PC.
If you need advice or just a sounding board on how to make the best decisions for your situation, give me a call or talk to a friend that has some experience. In the meantime, be sure to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.